Love Redeemed

New Hope Amish #2

by Kelly Irvin

In the second book of the New Hope Amish series, acclaimed author Kelly Irvin spins a tale of romance, grief, and redemption deep in Amish country. Phoebe Christner is thrilled when the families of her close-knit Amish community decide to spend a week at the lake. She feels she’s earned a break…and it doesn’t hurt that Michael Daugherty will be coming along. They’ll find ways to spend time together—she’s certain of it—and their romance will have time to blossom. But when tragedy strikes, Phoebe and Michael are torn apart by their pain and the knowledge of their guilt. As they both cope with the loss of a loved one, they will come to discover that they are worthy not only of each other’s love, but God’s love. A tender novel of faith and family set in the heart of Amish country.

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Romance, Amish Fiction, Christian Romance, Fiction

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2014

About the author

Best-selling author Kelly Irvin splits her writing time between Amish romances and romantic suspense. Her latest release is Trust Me (2/8/22), a romantic suspense novel set in San Antonio's historic art district. It explores broken trust and whether trust can ever be restored. Publishers Weekly called it a "whirlwind romantic thriller" and "an emotional rollercoaster."

Her latest Amish romance is Love's Dwelling, the first book in the Amish Blessings series, which released in July 2021. The series takes place in Yoder and Haven, Kansas, and looks at adoption among the Amish. The series follows her Amish romance series, Amish of Sky Country includes Mountains of Grace, followed by The Long Bridge Home, and Peace in the Valley. The series explores Amish communities in northwest Montana and how they are impacted by wildfires.

Other romantic suspense novels include Her Every Move, which Publishers Weekly called gripping suspense and said, "loving descriptions of San Antonio’s attractions enhance the well-paced plot."

The publication called Closer Than She Knows a "brisk, smoothly written, thriller."

Kelly's Every Amish Season series includes Upon A Spring Breeze, Beneath the Summer Sun, Through the Autumn Air, and With Winter's First Frost from Zondervan/HarperCollins Christian Publishing. This follows the Amish of Bee County series, The Saddle Maker's Son, released in June 2016. It is an ECPA bestseller. It follows The Bishop's Son, and the critically acclaimed bestseller, The Beekeeper's Son, which earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. The reviewer called it "a beautifully woven masterpiece." The Beekeeper's Son was a finalist in the romance category of the 2016 ACFW Carol Awards Contest.

Kelly is also the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Amish Amish series. The first series includes To Love and To Cherish, A Heart Made New, and Love’s Journey Home, published by Harvest House. The New Hope Amish series includes Love Still Stands, followed by Love Redeemed, which was an ACFW Carol Award finalist, and A Plain Love Song.

Kelly has also penned two other romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine..

The Kansas native is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and ACFW's San Antonio local chapter Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers.

A graduate of the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism, Kelly has been writing nonfiction professionally for thirty years. She studied for three semesters at the University of Costa Rica, learning the Spanish language. As a journalist, she worked six years in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso.

She worked in public relations for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department for 22 years before retiring earlier this year. Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for twenty-eight years. They have two young adult children and have three grandchildren. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories, read books by her favorite authors, and looks forward to visits with her grandchildren.

Reviews

[Sicily Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Redeemed (The New Hope Amish) is an excellent novel centering around Phoebe and Michael. Both yearn for love and a family of their own, but have insecurities of obtaining both within their close-knit Amish community. Michael isn't a talker and feels courting will be uncomfortable since the girls seem to have their own foreign language between their sisterhood. I liked this take on Amish life because I, having attended a Plain church, off and on, for over two decades, had never thought about how the menner see us womenfolk. We do, indeed, chatter with each other about canning, recipes, and such, and this may make the menner think we are unapproachable, especially if one is as shy as Michael.

Phoebe secretly likes Michael, although, at the beginning, all she gets is scolding looks when she is restless sitting in the hard bench during instruction class.
I, too, have sat in a similar class, learning The Mennonite Confessions of Faith, and so this sparked my interest. One coming in from Rumspringa's late-night activities is restless, even sleepy-eyed. Kelly did a fine job showcasing the mental battle one faces when deciding to join the church.

When tragedy strikes, after Michael and Phoebe finally create chit-chat, get to know each other better, they are torn apart. Did Rumspringa's activities and mindset cause this? Can God forgive them. Better yet, can they forgive each other? Buy Love Redeemed and find out.

I was given an advance copy of the book for my honest review.

Sicily Yoder
#1 Best-Selling Author

Also recommending "The Bliss Creek Amish" series.

[Shannah Mauney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a tragic story with a great message. Kelly Irvin creates a vivid picture of what it means to be covered by God's grace. The story itself is an excellent mix of sorrow and joy. Sometimes, when covering such a sad topic, stories becoming depressing and you lose hope for the characters. Well, Kelly Irvin's story moves along at a quick enough pace that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel for Phoebe and Michael.

The characters, both main and supporting, are very well developed. Phoebe is a flighty, carefree woman who dreams of being a wife and a mother. Michael is a stoic, careful man. He admires Phoebe and her carefree ways. Both of these characters journeys are well written and very real feeling. I felt like I was moving along in their times of sorrow and trouble with them. I rejoiced with them both in the end. The supporting characters made the story better because they provided more detail into Phoebe and Michael's character, as well as the situation they were going through. You get a real sense of closeness and community from this story.

Overall, the message was my favorite part of the book. God's grace is big enough to cover any sin. A fatal accident plunges Phoebe, Michael, and the whole New Hope community on a journey of discovering God's grace, forgiveness, and family. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by this fantastic author.

http://faithlovebooks.blogspot.com/20...

[Kym McNabney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start with a couple of confessions. First, I’m not an Amish fan. Second, I have read few Amish authors or Amish books. Now that you know the facts, I can reveal LOVE REDEEMED by KELLY IRVIN is the best Amish fiction to date I’ve read!

No other Amish novels I’ve read have come close to LOVE REDEEMED. They didn’t keep my attention the way it did. In part, that had to do with the storyline. They were mystery centered, rather than romance, and the plot - for me - weak. I also had a hard time with the use of “Amish words”.

Phoebe Christner desires to have a family of her own, but the boy she has her eyes on doesn’t seem to be interested.

Shy, Michael Daugherty, is in love with Phoebe Christner. When he decides to make his feelings known, tragedy strikes, tearing Michael and Phoebe apart.

LOVE REDEEMED is a light romance, with a heavy dose of forgiveness. The faith element is subtle, yet strong. The writing superb. Though there were words associated with the Amish, it didn’t overpower or pull you out of the story. The plot was unique. The pace, just the right speed to keep you turning the pages, wanting more. There was a sense of romance throughout, without taking over the story.

I loved what MS. IRVIN did with the characters. They’re three dimensional, and likeable. So many things happened, yet woven together in a believable and natural way. MS IRVIN takes the story to places you wouldn’t expect. As an aspiring fiction author, I tend to rewrite lines in my mind as I read. With LOVE REDEEDED, there was no cause to do so.

MS IRVIN might just make an Amish fan out of me after all.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Irvin has written a compelling page-turner. It is so about forgiveness of one another, and oneself. How could a really happy family, go from one extreme to another in almost a fraction of a second?
When tragedy hits a family, it can pull everyone together, or yank them forever apart. This what happens to the Christner family, and with their Amish background you hope that they will be able to heal. This tragedy though, touches other lives, and throughout the story, one point keeps rearing it head, forgive yourself. That seems to be the hardest of all, yes you can put the blame on someone else, and they all did, beside themselves. Also you see where it is hard not to hold a grudge against someone.
What I found was that living your faith in God, really means exactly that. Not just a pick and choose, but all of It.! You are going to wonder if there will ever be peace in this family, or community again. If they are all going to be able to live there faith?
Come and spend some quality time with the Amish of New Hope.

I received this book through First Wild Card Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly brings to light the subject of forgiveness in this book. The book teaches that forgiveness is not just for the other person but also for you. Follow Phoebe, Michael, Hannah and her family following the death of a loved member of the family. Not only does everyone feel responsible for the death but they have a hard time forgiving themselves. Phoebes Mother deals with her own health issues and he Father learns to trust and forgive. Will Phoebe and Michael forgive each other and themselves. A must read for all who struggle with forgiveness. Absolutely a great Amish Fiction book written by Kelly.

[Jodi]

Phoebe and Michael are friends, but Phoebe dreams of more. Michael is shy, and its encouragement from his friend Daniel that finally prompts him to step forward and speak up - to take Phoebe for a walk. The young couple share a kiss, that is broken by the cries of her younger sister Hannah, who Phoebe has left in charge of younger brothers and baby sister, Leah. Tragedy strikes, and forces Phoebe and Michael apart - God's Grace and Mercy are extended to them by their families and the church, but that isn't enough. They need to find a way to forgive themselves and each other for the stolen moments, and that oh, so sweet kiss.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't imagine what it would be like to lose a child. The author really captured it from all angles. So many blamed themselves for what had happened. It was heartbreaking. Only through the grace of God can you begin to heal from something so tragic. The author did a great job of telling each person's story and how they came to forgive themselves. Love Amish books - such a simple lifestyle they live and yet what a strong community they have. Everyone really rallies around each other when bad things happen.

[Linda Heidelberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

I enjoyed reading this book it was very interesting to read how love can conquer all of you put your trust in God good things will happen.

[SteFF · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Amish romance

[Natalie Niemeyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful romance

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story!

This story was a painful one at times, but Mrs. Irvin shows us how God's grace really does cover us all. Very moving!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tragedy that befalls the characters in this story has a profound effect on them all and while I had great empathy for them my heart broke for Phoebe, Michael and young Hannah. Kelly Irvin’s storytelling explores tragedy, faith and forgiveness as the Amish community struggles to understand Gott’s will while each character grapples with their own inadequacies and His plan for them. Heartfelt storytelling, abiding Christian faith and trust in Gott’s plan helps these characters mature, heal and seek forgiveness and it’s a powerful message I won’t soon forget.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Love Redeemed by Kelly Irvin. This is the second book in the New Hope Amish series. Wow - I love following the lives of people I’ve already fallen in love with and continuing on learning more about others that I’ve briefly met before.

The primary message of this book was grace and touched me even deeper than Ms. Irvin’s books usually speak to my soul. God gave me the word “grace” this year to explore further and so many aspects of this book hit close to home regarding that topic. Another reason this book spoke volumes was from reading the preface, which I will allow you to read yourself and be touched personally without revealing the why.
The emotions that Ms. Irvin explored through the various lives and reactions of Phoebe, Michael, Hannah, Katie and Silas were so realistic and heartbreaking. I especially was touched by the scene between Katie and Silas while talking in their bedroom. Ms. Irvin has a gift of showing men’s emotions so true to life and how they express their grief and anger differently than women.

There is always a message of hope woven throughout the story just as, for every Christ follower, there is always hope in our lives when we look to God for help. It warmed my soul as I watched various people step into the lives of those hurting to help carry their burdens and turn them back toward the One who ultimately can heal. That became a challenge and source of encouragement for myself as I don’t have to look far in my own circle of acquaintances to find those hurting from grief, shock of sudden illness, or struggling with putting food on their table. It reminded me that it’s my job to help others around me by being Jesus’ hands and feet when He calls me to.

I can’t wait to read the next book in the New Hope Amish series. I’ve come to truly love these people and have a hard time remembering they aren’t real. I really would love to meet them someday. Thank you, Ms. Irvin, for your gift of using words on a page to speak directly to my soul.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Irvin has written another book that will touch your emotions. Phoebe's family and several others in the Amish community are going together to spend a week at the lake. Michael Daugherty & Phoebe slip off to spend a few minutes to talk. Phoebe was suppose to be helping her sister with the other children in the camp. Said she would be "back in a shake". When she returns her sister is hysterical. A four year old has wondered off. Soon everyone is searching. Because of this event Phoebe and Michael, Phoebe's mother, her sister and several others all blame themselves. They believe God forgives them but how do they forgive themselves? There are so many questions and so much blame for any one person. This book deals with heart rending emotions, love, anger at self and at God but how they each have to find their way with God's help. Hannah blames not only herself but her sister Phoebe.

You will want to wrap your arms around this family and friends. You will want to comfort them, chide them, and pray with them. Kelly's books always touch your heart whether with tears, joy or humor. Her faith is revealed all through the book without being preachy.

I received this book through Book Club Network (www.bookfun.org) and the publisher. All I was asked to do was to leave my honest opinion. I've read several of Kelly's books and have enjoyed each of them. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

[JC Morrows · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not an easy book to read. But then, none of Kelly Irvin’s books are easy to read.

The way she writes about the Amish shows a deeper understanding of life and Plain living that you don’t see in every Amish fiction novel.

She does not present a happy little fairy tale with tiny problems and silly obstacles. She shows us serious problems and tremendous obstacles – in other words, real problems and obstacles.

There is no easy path for her characters. It is a rocky and slippery slope they walk and the way through is not always clear – even to the reader.


The books AND the stories are definitely NOT predictable!

They are real stories about real people and, as difficult as it is to read – and please understand that when I say that, I mean that it’s a difficult experience, not that it’s difficult to get into or understand. Reading Kelly Irvin’s books are an incredibly emotional and wearisome experience - is incredibly rewarding and uplifting.

Even though her message is presented through great difficulty and tragedy, it is always a lesson we need! Everyone needs to learn the lessons she presents and going about it this way is much better that experiencing the tragedy for yourself.


Although, you kind of feel like you do experience it. Her writing is THAT good!

Have a box of tissues handy and make sure you don’t have anything pressing to do for a while but READ IT! It’s TOO good to miss!

Disclaimer: I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Irvin is a new author to me and this book is the first of hers that I have read. I plan to remedy that lack in my life as soon as possible.

I read this book in one afternoon, because her characters stole my heart in the first chapter and the story line claimed my attention not long after that. Sometimes I find that "Amish" novels are nice reads but lack some strength. This is not one of those. The story of Phoebe Christner and her family is at once real and unbelievable; real due to the circumstances and unbelievable because of the work of God within each one of them. Not that God's work in a person is unbelievable, but because it is real and amazing and something that leaves you breathless, whether you are reading about a fictional story or have experienced it in your life.

Irvin quotes Micah 7:18 and 19 in the foreword of the book, and it is so appropriate for the way I feel after reading this wonderful story..."Who is a God like you, who pardons sins and forgives the transgression of the remnants of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; You will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea."

This is a story of a family caught in tragic circumstances, but it is full of hope and light. It is a love story and a story of promise and second chances. Well, well worth an afternoon of your time!

[Barbara Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Love Redeemed, Phoebe and Michael are ready for romance. When they make the time to see each other, tragedy strikes. Will their guilt and trying to cope with this loss tear them apart?

Love Redeemed is an awesome novel that deals with love and forgiveness within their family and community. Most of all, can they forgive each other and forgive their self? The author shows a distinct and in-depth look at each main character and the storyline creates emotional feelings and troublesome decisions throughout the book.

Love Redeemed is a marvelous Amish book that I highly recommend to read. It's a clean, well-written book you will want to read at one sitting. I loved and truly enjoyed reading this book as well as other books Kelly Irvin has written. Love Redeemed is the second book in The New Hope Amish series. You will not want to miss reading Book One and Book Two in this series.

I received a copy from the author and publisher for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Redeemed

by Kelly Irvin

Harvest House Publishers
Christian, Romance

Pub Date 01 Mar 2014

Phoebe Christner is trying to do better, trying to please her Father but she falls short. Her Father catches her talking on a cell phone behind the house as well as spending to much time with a boy he does not approve of, both forbidden by her strict Amish father.

When Phoebe is left in charge of her younger siblings while they are camping, her parents made a trip to the store, and her four year old Sister ends up getting lost when she wanders off while Phoebe and Michael went for a short walk.

Will Phoebe and Michael be able to forgive themselves for the stolen few moments that led to Phoebes Sister Lydia wandering off, or will they allow anger and hurt to eat them alive?

I give this book five out of five stars

Happy Reading

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hard to read, not because it wasn't good, in fact it was a wonderful story. It was hard to read emotionally. The loss of a child is an emotional rollercoaster, the emotions that Kelly portrayed in her characters as they grieved and found their way after their loss was so true to nature. The description of this novel, calls it a tender novel, but I didn't find it tender I found it to be raw and emotional and a book I could not put down. Yes the story hit close to home, because I have lost a child, but I knew every emotion they were feeling was true. Definitely worthy of 5 stars from this reviewer.
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Phoebe Christner’s Amish friends and family spend a week at the lake, her excitement rises that Michael Daugherty will take notice of her. When a tragic accident happens, everyone blames themselves, including Phoebe and Michael. Those who blame themselves bring about friction and misunderstandings between them and those they love. They ask for God’s forgiveness and receive it. But can they forgive themselves? Can they forget the tragedy that affects them all? Good characterization, excellent settings descriptions, and a story that grips the reader from beginning to end. Irvin is a superb writer of Amish stories.

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my! Grab the tissues!

Phoebe Christner and Michael Daugherty just want to have a normal courtship, but nothing seems to work out for them. And like it or not, Phoebe needs to grow up — a lot!

When tragedy strikes, she grows up plenty, but of course, it’s too late to change the past. But can she avoid another tragedy in the future?

I loved this story. I have to admit, sometimes it’s hard to read about tragedy, but Kelly definitely writes it as if it’s real-life. It’s so real, I find myself going through a lot of tissues.

It’s really a great story — one you won’t want to miss . . .

Happy reading!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly liked this second novel in the New Hope Amish trilogy. The characters are well drawn, and the plot deals with some truly tough issues surrounding grief and forgiveness. There were actually a few really good bits of theology thrown into the story in a non-preachy manner, which I quite enjoyed. I truly sympathized with Phoebe and Michael's sense of guilt and their difficulties in forgiving themselves for making a poor choice that resulted in a tragic accident. It's a well written novel that has earned a place on my favorites' list.

[Andrea Norton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had great potential but in my opinion it just fell short of other Amish fiction that I have read. I found the character of Phoebe to be a silly, whiny character. Something just wasn't right and her continued thinking "be good, be good, be good" became boring fast yet it was repeated over and over chapter after chapter! The characters just didn't have depth. I found it hard to stick it out until the end but managed to trudge through.

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young love in an Amish community. Phoebe and Michael are young, and shy like many Amish children. They want to let each other know that they are "taken" with the other and look for ways of letting that be known. But a huge tragedy strikes when their families are at a lake on a short vacation. The story takes us alternately from Phoebe's to Michael's thoughts and ways of coping.
There is a lot happening in this book and makes for a very good Amish story.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book for me had some good points and some bad. I've always enjoyed Kelly Irvin's writing; however I found this a bit boring in parts. It lingered in areas. I did like Phoebe but I did not care for Michael. I did not warm up to him at all in this book. I think I felt closer to Richard. This one was not my favorite.

[Ginger Solomon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a profoundly moving story about how to move on after tragedy. It made me cry, but it also made me smile. It was so real and emotional. I enjoyed it immensely.

***This novel was given to be by the publisher/author for the purpose of review. The above is my honest opinion.***

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A heartbreaking story and the healing that comes from pain. This author has a tendency to overwrite. There are too many pages of struggling, of getting up and falling down again and again. The same story could be told with 100 fewer pages. Her writing style and her characterization is very good.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and Redemption

I was unprepared for where this book went. Michael and Phoebe have an unusual hard life story. Yet, God is still in control of all circumstances least we forget. He can turn tragedy into beauty. He is faithful.

[David Joseph Mikels · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok made me really appreciate the Amish lifestyle. I think Ina different life I may have been Amish
I got this book for free from GOODREADS

[Teri Pre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amish books tend to all run in the same light mold but this one went a lot deeper. It was excellent!